Here's some of Elodie's developments that I've remembered to jot down over the past month.
12/27/08:
L ate bowls of corn tonight...impressive enough that it was like 4 bowls but she ate it all herself w/her fork. I did see her put the last couple bites of each bowl in her mouth with her hands, but still, she's getting pretty good with her utensils.
She also signed "fish" tonight for her goldfish crackers. Once she started signing "fish," she didn't stop.
She said "kix" today. We decided today when we realized that she had started calling kix, cheerios, and goldfish all "Os" that we needed to rectify that so I told her they were kix and made her repeat it.
12/24/08:
L ate a bowl of yogurt with no spills. She answers my Q with "no, no, no...no, no, no...no"
12/23/08:
She can sign "apple" on her face and mine. Says "apple" all day long. She loves apples.
She can eat a bowl of oatmeal with a spoon by herself; but it's much faster to have two spoons...one for her and one for me to help her along.
She wants to call daddy on the cellphone all day long.
Every time I'm out of sight, I hear her say "bye-bye."
12/19/08:
She was standing watching a dvd song of the "Duke of York" and she would go up and down with the song. She also did the wipers on the bus during the "Wheels on the Bus go round and round" song.
If she can't get a puzzle piece in its slot or a shape through the whole, she gets really frustrated and throws all the pieces or shapes.
Today she played peek-a-boo herself with her blanket.
12/18/08:
I asked her if she wanted to touch the Christmas tree and she tentatively reached her hand out, touched the prickly tree, and said, "no."
Today she said "wa wa" for water.
She'll point to the toilet and say "poop."
12/16/08:
She's starting to feed herself oatmeal well. Says "oatmeal" better...now it's more like "ah-meal."
She says "brown bear."
12/15/08:
She can get onto one section of our couch herself. She says "mine" and "daddy" all day long. She also does the sign for "drink" to indicate water.
12/14/08:
She signs "horse" after her aunt and uncle give her a rocking horse for Christmas.
12/13/08:
She can open our child safety locks on the kitchen and bathroom cupboards. She learned how to open my mom's cupboards in California, which are easier than ours, but apparently that was the gateway b/c now she can do ours as well.
She says "ow-ma" for oatmeal.
CA trip (11/24-12/8):
She can get up onto my mom's couch by herself sometimes. She starts to repeat words; she can now say, "oatmeal" ("boat-meal"), "eat," "poop" (her Grammie taught her that one)
11/19/08:
While I was in surgery, Elodie's uncle Dale & aunt Candy watched her. Uncle Dale said that his glasses were "mine" and Elodie said "mine." Dale said "ut-oh" and so the "mine" saga began.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Our 18-month-old: Week 2...
Your 18-month-old's social and emotional development: Making friends
New this month: Making friends
Now that your child is walking and talking, you can also expect him to be more interested in establishing relationships with other people, especially children his age. But though he wants to interact with peers, he still regards them more as curiosities than as playmates. If your child pushes, pokes, or hits his playmates, don't worry that he's anti-social, just be patient and willing to expose him to a variety of situations — the more chances your toddler has to interact in group settings, the sooner he'll develop social skills.
What you can do
Try to connect with parents of two or three other children who are about the same age as yours and make plans to meet on a regular basis. Fun outings at this age include trips to "hands-on" children's museums, playgrounds, petting zoos, or anywhere your toddlers can run around freely. Just remember that for at least the next few months, even when your 18-month-old does have playdates, he's more likely to engage in "parallel" play than to play cooperatively with his friends.
Other developments: New challenges, saving the worst for you
An 18-month-old's top priority is to succeed at various tasks. So he constantly tests himself — and you. His failure to succeed, either because he's incapable of, say, putting on his own shoes, or because you stop him — as when you forbid him from climbing onto a chair near the stove so he can help you — is frustrating for him. This is a phase when "no" seems to be the word that you both use more than any other.
As his confidence in his own abilities increases, so does his willfulness. Your job is to gauge when you must prevent him from trying to reach a goal — for instance, because it's not safe for him to be near a hot stove — and when you should let him go ahead and try. So what if it takes you a few extra minutes in the morning while he tries to put on his sneakers? Discouraging him from trying many of the things he attempts will only make him unwilling to try new things in the future.
If you and your spouse both work outside the home, your toddler is probably used to saying goodbye to you in the morning: He rarely protests your departure the way he did a few months ago. But when you arrive to pick him up at the end of the day, you may be greeted with a screaming "throw-down" tantrum. On the other hand, this age begins a phase when many toddlers begin to behave in both cooperative and caring ways.
New this month: Making friends
Now that your child is walking and talking, you can also expect him to be more interested in establishing relationships with other people, especially children his age. But though he wants to interact with peers, he still regards them more as curiosities than as playmates. If your child pushes, pokes, or hits his playmates, don't worry that he's anti-social, just be patient and willing to expose him to a variety of situations — the more chances your toddler has to interact in group settings, the sooner he'll develop social skills.
What you can do
Try to connect with parents of two or three other children who are about the same age as yours and make plans to meet on a regular basis. Fun outings at this age include trips to "hands-on" children's museums, playgrounds, petting zoos, or anywhere your toddlers can run around freely. Just remember that for at least the next few months, even when your 18-month-old does have playdates, he's more likely to engage in "parallel" play than to play cooperatively with his friends.
Other developments: New challenges, saving the worst for you
An 18-month-old's top priority is to succeed at various tasks. So he constantly tests himself — and you. His failure to succeed, either because he's incapable of, say, putting on his own shoes, or because you stop him — as when you forbid him from climbing onto a chair near the stove so he can help you — is frustrating for him. This is a phase when "no" seems to be the word that you both use more than any other.
As his confidence in his own abilities increases, so does his willfulness. Your job is to gauge when you must prevent him from trying to reach a goal — for instance, because it's not safe for him to be near a hot stove — and when you should let him go ahead and try. So what if it takes you a few extra minutes in the morning while he tries to put on his sneakers? Discouraging him from trying many of the things he attempts will only make him unwilling to try new things in the future.
If you and your spouse both work outside the home, your toddler is probably used to saying goodbye to you in the morning: He rarely protests your departure the way he did a few months ago. But when you arrive to pick him up at the end of the day, you may be greeted with a screaming "throw-down" tantrum. On the other hand, this age begins a phase when many toddlers begin to behave in both cooperative and caring ways.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday, 12/26/08...one of her new toys...
Here's a video of L playing with one of her new toys...a microphone.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, 12/24/08...Christmas Eve...
Today I straightened up the house while L followed me around. Snapped some pics of her being cute in front of the tree. Also got some pics before we left for the Christmas Eve service at church. It was great to go celebrate Jesus' birth and praise Him.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, 12/23/08...photos in front of the tree in nonChristmas attire...
"CHEESE"
not exactly sure what that face is. notice the christmas socks leftover from yesterday's outfit.
this is after we turned the lights on the tree on. i like how her little hairs in the back curl in this one.
eating a Harry & Davids' apple that her great-grandpa Noah sent us. She's learned how to sign apple. She signed it on her face and mine this morning.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
12/18/08...Our 18-month-old
One tangible sign that your child has left babyhood behind is that she's beginning to be able to hold in urine or bowel movements. Starting about now, keep a potty seat around so your child can gradually get used to the idea of using it. Don't push it, though — while some toddlers may be showing signs that they're ready to try, many others won't be ready until they're 24 months old or even older. **this is funny b/c elodie has started to point to the toliet and say "poop" and she'll point to her diaper and say "poop." She learned the word "poop" first (thanks mom!) and always says it first...then you'll say you didn't poop...did you peepee? and she'll repeat "peepee."**
How your toddler's growing:
You may observe a spurt in physical development this month. Your toddler is surer on her feet, loves to climb all over your furniture, and can connect with a kick ball if she concentrates hard enough. She can also hold in her mind a clear memory of an object well after you remove it from her vision. Take advantage of this new capability by playing hide-and-seek with her favorite toy.
There may be days when all that physical energy is more than you can handle. Rather than fight it — after all, you can't do anything to change it — flip on some music, grab your little one, and invent some new dance steps together.
How your life's changing:
As your child's "no's" come more frequently, so will your questions about how to discipline her. Set clear limits by telling her what is and is not acceptable behavior. She won't always remember what you've said, but with repetition she'll start getting the idea. And do your best to set a good example; model the kindness, respect, and good manners you'd like to see her demonstrate.
Your 18-month-old's physical development: Ready for toilet training?
Many experts say that 18 months is too young to start toilet training; many grandparents say, "We potty trained you at 1!" Who's right? Of course it depends on the child, and some are in fact ready to begin the process now. But before you start trying to make this enormous transition, look for some signs of readiness. The sensory awareness that allows a toddler to recognize the need to empty his bladder and bowels and then "hold it" until he gets to the bathroom is sophisticated. And the concept that everything has its place — including pee and poop — and the desire for orderliness usually begins around age 2 (though some children don't potty train until much later).
What you can do
At this age, a low-key approach is best. Toddlers learn by imitation, so start by letting your child copy what you do in the bathroom. Let him sit fully clothed on an adult or toddler toilet seat so he can get used to the idea of sitting on the potty. If your toddler has a favorite doll or stuffed animal, you can pretend that it's going the bathroom, too, a tactic that may entice your child to try it out for himself. Keep your expectations in check, however. It may be another year before he's ready to get down to business.
Other developments: Solving puzzles, increasing dexterity
Your toddler wants to know what is behind, under, and inside of everything. But unlike a few months ago, he doesn't want to just empty closets and cupboards of their contents. Now after he clears out your kitchen cabinets, your toddler will probably try to put everything back to see how it fits (though it won't look like it did before).
For now, gross motor development outpaces fine-motor development, but that's only because a typical 18-month-old doesn't want to sit still long enough to do many activities that require significant dexterity. There are, however, a few that will hold his interest: scribbling with crayons or finger painting, stacking blocks, turning knobs on doors and cupboards, and pushing buttons on telephones, televisions, and stereo equipment.
A toy telephone, or a real one with cords removed, will keep his fingers engaged (but you'll probably want to keep him away from your pricey audio-video gear!). He may also enjoy trying to slide large wooden beads onto a length of string. An 18-month-old is very interested in fitting things inside of other things. Shape sorters, nesting boxes, and even some simple wooden puzzles (puzzles where a whole object fits inside a matching slot, not jigsaw puzzles) will absorb him. One sign of his increasing dexterity is the ability to hold a cup and drink from it without spilling.
Keep a few toys handy in the back of your car to make trips to the park even more fun. An extra-large beach ball (or an ever bigger ball, like those used in exercise classes) is fun to roll across grass, and roll on. (At this stage, toddlers can't quite kick balls. They attempt to, but they don't have the coordination to do it and end up sort of walking into the ball.) He may also have the skills to push or pull a small wagon or similar toy, and to pedal a tricycle or "big wheel." If it's winter, channel some energy by stomping in puddles, or have a snowball fight, throwing the snowballs at trees or telephones poles instead of each other.
Your 18-month-old's physical development: Ready for toilet training?
Now that your child is walking and talking, you can also expect him to be more interested in establishing relationships with other people, especially children his age. But though he wants to interact with peers, he still regards them more as curiosities than as playmates. If your child pushes, pokes, or hits his playmates, don't worry that he's anti-social, just be patient and willing to expose him to a variety of situations — the more chances your toddler has to interact in group settings, the sooner he'll develop social skills. **L can carry her own...she'll take down her cousins, who are 6 months older...not that I'm encouraging that or anything!**
What you can do
Try to connect with parents of two or three other children who are about the same age as yours and make plans to meet on a regular basis. Fun outings at this age include trips to "hands-on" children's museums, playgrounds, petting zoos, or anywhere your toddlers can run around freely. Just remember that for at least the next few months, even when your 18-month-old does have playdates, he's more likely to engage in "parallel" play than to play cooperatively with his friends.
Other developments: New challenges, saving the worst for you
An 18-month-old's top priority is to succeed at various tasks. So he constantly tests himself — and you. His failure to succeed, either because he's incapable of, say, putting on his own shoes, or because you stop him — as when you forbid him from climbing onto a chair near the stove so he can help you — is frustrating for him. This is a phase when "no" seems to be the word that you both use more than any other.
As his confidence in his own abilities increases, so does his willfulness. Your job is to gauge when you must prevent him from trying to reach a goal — for instance, because it's not safe for him to be near a hot stove — and when you should let him go ahead and try. So what if it takes you a few extra minutes in the morning while he tries to put on his sneakers? Discouraging him from trying many of the things he attempts will only make him unwilling to try new things in the future.
If you and your spouse both work outside the home, your toddler is probably used to saying goodbye to you in the morning: He rarely protests your departure the way he did a few months ago. But when you arrive to pick him up at the end of the day, you may be greeted with a screaming "throw-down" tantrum. On the other hand, this age begins a phase when many toddlers begin to behave in both cooperative and caring ways.
How your toddler's growing:
You may observe a spurt in physical development this month. Your toddler is surer on her feet, loves to climb all over your furniture, and can connect with a kick ball if she concentrates hard enough. She can also hold in her mind a clear memory of an object well after you remove it from her vision. Take advantage of this new capability by playing hide-and-seek with her favorite toy.
There may be days when all that physical energy is more than you can handle. Rather than fight it — after all, you can't do anything to change it — flip on some music, grab your little one, and invent some new dance steps together.
How your life's changing:
As your child's "no's" come more frequently, so will your questions about how to discipline her. Set clear limits by telling her what is and is not acceptable behavior. She won't always remember what you've said, but with repetition she'll start getting the idea. And do your best to set a good example; model the kindness, respect, and good manners you'd like to see her demonstrate.
Your 18-month-old's physical development: Ready for toilet training?
Many experts say that 18 months is too young to start toilet training; many grandparents say, "We potty trained you at 1!" Who's right? Of course it depends on the child, and some are in fact ready to begin the process now. But before you start trying to make this enormous transition, look for some signs of readiness. The sensory awareness that allows a toddler to recognize the need to empty his bladder and bowels and then "hold it" until he gets to the bathroom is sophisticated. And the concept that everything has its place — including pee and poop — and the desire for orderliness usually begins around age 2 (though some children don't potty train until much later).
What you can do
At this age, a low-key approach is best. Toddlers learn by imitation, so start by letting your child copy what you do in the bathroom. Let him sit fully clothed on an adult or toddler toilet seat so he can get used to the idea of sitting on the potty. If your toddler has a favorite doll or stuffed animal, you can pretend that it's going the bathroom, too, a tactic that may entice your child to try it out for himself. Keep your expectations in check, however. It may be another year before he's ready to get down to business.
Other developments: Solving puzzles, increasing dexterity
Your toddler wants to know what is behind, under, and inside of everything. But unlike a few months ago, he doesn't want to just empty closets and cupboards of their contents. Now after he clears out your kitchen cabinets, your toddler will probably try to put everything back to see how it fits (though it won't look like it did before).
For now, gross motor development outpaces fine-motor development, but that's only because a typical 18-month-old doesn't want to sit still long enough to do many activities that require significant dexterity. There are, however, a few that will hold his interest: scribbling with crayons or finger painting, stacking blocks, turning knobs on doors and cupboards, and pushing buttons on telephones, televisions, and stereo equipment.
A toy telephone, or a real one with cords removed, will keep his fingers engaged (but you'll probably want to keep him away from your pricey audio-video gear!). He may also enjoy trying to slide large wooden beads onto a length of string. An 18-month-old is very interested in fitting things inside of other things. Shape sorters, nesting boxes, and even some simple wooden puzzles (puzzles where a whole object fits inside a matching slot, not jigsaw puzzles) will absorb him. One sign of his increasing dexterity is the ability to hold a cup and drink from it without spilling.
Keep a few toys handy in the back of your car to make trips to the park even more fun. An extra-large beach ball (or an ever bigger ball, like those used in exercise classes) is fun to roll across grass, and roll on. (At this stage, toddlers can't quite kick balls. They attempt to, but they don't have the coordination to do it and end up sort of walking into the ball.) He may also have the skills to push or pull a small wagon or similar toy, and to pedal a tricycle or "big wheel." If it's winter, channel some energy by stomping in puddles, or have a snowball fight, throwing the snowballs at trees or telephones poles instead of each other.
Your 18-month-old's physical development: Ready for toilet training?
Now that your child is walking and talking, you can also expect him to be more interested in establishing relationships with other people, especially children his age. But though he wants to interact with peers, he still regards them more as curiosities than as playmates. If your child pushes, pokes, or hits his playmates, don't worry that he's anti-social, just be patient and willing to expose him to a variety of situations — the more chances your toddler has to interact in group settings, the sooner he'll develop social skills. **L can carry her own...she'll take down her cousins, who are 6 months older...not that I'm encouraging that or anything!**
What you can do
Try to connect with parents of two or three other children who are about the same age as yours and make plans to meet on a regular basis. Fun outings at this age include trips to "hands-on" children's museums, playgrounds, petting zoos, or anywhere your toddlers can run around freely. Just remember that for at least the next few months, even when your 18-month-old does have playdates, he's more likely to engage in "parallel" play than to play cooperatively with his friends.
Other developments: New challenges, saving the worst for you
An 18-month-old's top priority is to succeed at various tasks. So he constantly tests himself — and you. His failure to succeed, either because he's incapable of, say, putting on his own shoes, or because you stop him — as when you forbid him from climbing onto a chair near the stove so he can help you — is frustrating for him. This is a phase when "no" seems to be the word that you both use more than any other.
As his confidence in his own abilities increases, so does his willfulness. Your job is to gauge when you must prevent him from trying to reach a goal — for instance, because it's not safe for him to be near a hot stove — and when you should let him go ahead and try. So what if it takes you a few extra minutes in the morning while he tries to put on his sneakers? Discouraging him from trying many of the things he attempts will only make him unwilling to try new things in the future.
If you and your spouse both work outside the home, your toddler is probably used to saying goodbye to you in the morning: He rarely protests your departure the way he did a few months ago. But when you arrive to pick him up at the end of the day, you may be greeted with a screaming "throw-down" tantrum. On the other hand, this age begins a phase when many toddlers begin to behave in both cooperative and caring ways.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
more prayer needed
L apparently wasn't on the mend and didn't feel well today. She even had to episodes of cramping/gas where she cried for 20 minutes each and didn't want to be held or touched. So heartbreaking. Plus, I caught the bug so I feel achy and energyless...overall difficult to take care of sick toddler when sick myself.
Please pray for miraculous recovery and for D to stay healthy!!! Can't afford for him to get sick too!
Please pray for miraculous recovery and for D to stay healthy!!! Can't afford for him to get sick too!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
L's on the mend...
L hasn't thrown up since lunchtime yesterday so it's been over 24 hours. Yea! We're praying that lasts for good and that we stay healthy! She's still not eating a ton even though she had a decent breakfast but she likes her cheerios and goldfish crackers. We also are still withholding her milk and plan on reintroducing that after 48 hours or even on Thursday, depending on what her ped says since we're seeing the dr. tomorrow for her 18 month old visit.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Prayers for sick L
Please keep L and us in your prayers over the next few days. L has the stomach flu which is way not fun for mommy or daddy although she seems to be just fine other than the whole puking & making work for mommy thing. I called the doctor and they said that this is like week 3 of this virus going around our town and that it seems to last for FOUR or FIVE days (they seem to get better and then relapse). So we changed many outfits (including mine) and done lots of laundry. Please pray she gets better miraculously fast and that D & I stay healthy and that I don't loose my patience (b/c I know it's not her fault). Oh and for disciplining L b/c she's still her same toddler self that doesn't obey "no."
Thanks!
xoxo
Thanks!
xoxo
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday, 12/10/08...home...
notice the sticker she's wearing...it's D's dental appt notice :)
she wanted to put this hat on after her nap.
reacquainting herself with all her toys!
"CHEESE!"
She's so cute when she lays on the floor like this.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Our 17-month-old: Week 4
It will be a year or two before your toddler leaves most of his tantrums behind. Until then, expect to deal with outbursts of anger and frustration on a regular basis. You can cut down on the frequency of tantrums by making sure your child gets enough sleep and eats well during the day. It's probably unrealistic to expect your energetic toddler to sit still for three square meals a day, so try giving your child a variety of foods throughout the day. Remember, a hungry, sleep-deprived toddler is a meltdown waiting to happen.
New this month: Self-control — or lack thereof
What would the world be like if we all acted on every impulse? If adults had no self-control? Observe a couple of 17-month-olds and in no time you'll have some idea: chaos. Children aren't born with self-control, so when your toddler is hungry, he wants to eat ... immediately. When he wants the toy his friend is playing with, he wants it ... right now! He doesn't understand that screaming won't make the food come any sooner (even though this method worked when he was a newborn), or that forcefully grabbing a toy is going to upset his playmate.
What you can do
Since toddlers want what they want when they want it (passionately!), explaining the consequences of their actions won't give you immediate results. But go ahead and try. Explaining things in a reassuring voice is good practice for the future and if you do it with lots of affection and physical contact, you'll make it easier for your toddler to stay calm when he needs to wait a little bit or cooperate with you.
Though it may seem impossible at times, if you are warm and patient when your toddler is most trying, you may find that he's more willing to settle down. Try to show your happiness when your toddler cooperates and complies with your requests, but be prepared to remove him from the situation if he won't.
Other developments: Taming temper tantrums
Quick! What's the quickest way to stop a tantrum? Cave in to your toddler's demands, right? Now, what's the best way to guarantee that the tantrums will continue? Same thing. If you reward your child for "stopping" his tantrum, he'll figure it out pretty quickly. And he'll have tantrums just so he can get what he wants. But if you simply ignore the tantrum, which may be difficult to do sometimes, he'll learn just as quickly that this behavior doesn't move you and he'll likely stop. If you're in a public place such as a restaurant or store, your best bet may be to leave with him until he calms down.
It may help you to deal with your toddler's tantrums if you understand what's behind them, at least in part. At 17 months a child may want to master stacking five blocks on top of one another. Or he's determined to put his own shoes on, to ride his older sister's bike, or to eat with a fork. When he can't, he may get frustrated. Tantrums are more likely to occur when your child is hungry, tired, or over-stimulated. Sometimes a tantrum is a plea for your attention: a reassuring hug and your undivided attention can make the storm clouds go away.
Tantrums aren't easy for parents. It can be hard to listen to a lot of crying, or to have your child be angry at you. But tantrums are a completely normal part of toddler development.
New this month: Self-control — or lack thereof
What would the world be like if we all acted on every impulse? If adults had no self-control? Observe a couple of 17-month-olds and in no time you'll have some idea: chaos. Children aren't born with self-control, so when your toddler is hungry, he wants to eat ... immediately. When he wants the toy his friend is playing with, he wants it ... right now! He doesn't understand that screaming won't make the food come any sooner (even though this method worked when he was a newborn), or that forcefully grabbing a toy is going to upset his playmate.
What you can do
Since toddlers want what they want when they want it (passionately!), explaining the consequences of their actions won't give you immediate results. But go ahead and try. Explaining things in a reassuring voice is good practice for the future and if you do it with lots of affection and physical contact, you'll make it easier for your toddler to stay calm when he needs to wait a little bit or cooperate with you.
Though it may seem impossible at times, if you are warm and patient when your toddler is most trying, you may find that he's more willing to settle down. Try to show your happiness when your toddler cooperates and complies with your requests, but be prepared to remove him from the situation if he won't.
Other developments: Taming temper tantrums
Quick! What's the quickest way to stop a tantrum? Cave in to your toddler's demands, right? Now, what's the best way to guarantee that the tantrums will continue? Same thing. If you reward your child for "stopping" his tantrum, he'll figure it out pretty quickly. And he'll have tantrums just so he can get what he wants. But if you simply ignore the tantrum, which may be difficult to do sometimes, he'll learn just as quickly that this behavior doesn't move you and he'll likely stop. If you're in a public place such as a restaurant or store, your best bet may be to leave with him until he calms down.
It may help you to deal with your toddler's tantrums if you understand what's behind them, at least in part. At 17 months a child may want to master stacking five blocks on top of one another. Or he's determined to put his own shoes on, to ride his older sister's bike, or to eat with a fork. When he can't, he may get frustrated. Tantrums are more likely to occur when your child is hungry, tired, or over-stimulated. Sometimes a tantrum is a plea for your attention: a reassuring hug and your undivided attention can make the storm clouds go away.
Tantrums aren't easy for parents. It can be hard to listen to a lot of crying, or to have your child be angry at you. But tantrums are a completely normal part of toddler development.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Our 17-month-old: Week 3
this is a little late (like almost a week!) but better late than never!
You're probably spending a lot of time trying to figure out what your toddler says, but does she understand everything you say? Speak in clear, simple sentences to make sure you're getting your point across. Hearing and language development are inextricably linked, which is why you may want to have your child's hearing tested if you find that she's not talking as much or as well as her peers or can't follow simple instructions from you.
New this month: All talk
Observing a child as she learns to talk is one of the most fascinating experiences of parenthood. Some children babble with an occasional recognizable word mixed in. Others learn to say one word clearly and then add another, slowly building up a vocabulary. Others may use one word for days or weeks and then suddenly drop it. Which is normal? Actually, each is.
Labeling objects will help your child learn words. You can label sensations, as in, "The sidewalk feels hot," or objects: "See the airplane?" When you push your child in a stroller or walk with her in a backpack, take time to point out the things you see. You don't have to go on and on — just make her aware of what's around. Try to use normal speech instead of baby talk. Soon she'll take the lead and point out familiar objects without your prompting.
What you can do
When you're cooking dinner, take three measuring cups out of a drawer and show her: "This is the big cup, here's the medium-sized cup ... and the little cup." You can turn any daily activity into a language lesson.
If your child isn't saying much, try to speak in short sentences whenever possible, especially if your child seems confused when you ask her questions or are giving her directions. Just eliminating a word or two might help her understand. For example, say "Eat your toast" instead of "Aren't you hungry? Why don't you eat your toast?" It's possible that too many words are overwhelming her and the basic message is getting lost. Try to use positive instructions ("Eat your toast") instead of negative instructions ("Don't throw your toast on the floor"). Remember that listening is an essential part of language acquisition. (A hearing problem can cause language delays. Talk to your pediatrician if you suspect a problem.)
Other developments: Playing to learn, fascination with textures
For you, play is a way of relaxing — whether that means playing tennis or playing chess. But for children, play is learning. Through play children learn about their senses, and they fine-tune a variety of gross- and fine-motor skills. Whether she's stacking blocks and banging on pots, or digging in sand and throwing balls, a toddler is learning what her body can do, what various objects feel like, and how they smell and taste.
Creating art is one of a toddler's favorite pastimes. Remember when you first showed your child how to use a crayon, and she colored back and forth, making wavy lines willy-nilly all over the page? Now she is capable of controlling the pencil or crayon a little bit, and may start to draw in circles. A few months ago she covered a piece of paper with scribbles; now she will draw more deliberately, decorating different parts of a page with separate blocks of artwork. Your job is to give her plenty of opportunities to do it.
Set your child up with big sheets of thick paper; tape it to the table so it stays put. Offer her a few thick crayons (she'll likely snap the little ones in half) or washable markers. If she's not interested in drawing on paper, see if she'd like to draw outside with sidewalk chalk. Finger painting, or making handprints and footprints with paint, is usually a popular activity with toddlers (who doesn't like having permission to make a huge mess?). Or, next time you go for a walk, encourage her to collect some leaves, pebbles, acorns, and the like. When you get home, make a collage that commemorates your outing, gluing the items to a piece of cardboard that she can then decorate with paint or markers.
Now that your toddler can chew and eat a wide variety of foods — from meat to pasta to spinach — expect her to express strong opinions about her likes and dislikes. Experts say that at this age texture, rather than smell or taste, is the key factor in food preferences. Strawberries, pudding, Jell-O, a banana that is just past its prime — these are all foods that a toddler may turn away from, even if she ate them willingly a few months ago.
Toddlers are becoming aware of other sensations as well. Some balk at walking barefoot on sand, cement, or grass for the same reason they refuse some foods: They don't like the texture. Others don't want to have their hair combed or brushed.
If your child balks at having her teeth brushed, try buying her a special toothbrush with a favorite character on it (i.e., Barney or a Teletubby). If your toddler battles over hair brushing, resist the urge to restrain her, which will just frighten her more. You might try to comb or brush her hair while she's distracted, even offering a snack. A commercial de-tangler may help, even with straight hair. Or take turns with her: Let her comb or brush your hair, and then you comb hers.
You're probably spending a lot of time trying to figure out what your toddler says, but does she understand everything you say? Speak in clear, simple sentences to make sure you're getting your point across. Hearing and language development are inextricably linked, which is why you may want to have your child's hearing tested if you find that she's not talking as much or as well as her peers or can't follow simple instructions from you.
New this month: All talk
Observing a child as she learns to talk is one of the most fascinating experiences of parenthood. Some children babble with an occasional recognizable word mixed in. Others learn to say one word clearly and then add another, slowly building up a vocabulary. Others may use one word for days or weeks and then suddenly drop it. Which is normal? Actually, each is.
Labeling objects will help your child learn words. You can label sensations, as in, "The sidewalk feels hot," or objects: "See the airplane?" When you push your child in a stroller or walk with her in a backpack, take time to point out the things you see. You don't have to go on and on — just make her aware of what's around. Try to use normal speech instead of baby talk. Soon she'll take the lead and point out familiar objects without your prompting.
What you can do
When you're cooking dinner, take three measuring cups out of a drawer and show her: "This is the big cup, here's the medium-sized cup ... and the little cup." You can turn any daily activity into a language lesson.
If your child isn't saying much, try to speak in short sentences whenever possible, especially if your child seems confused when you ask her questions or are giving her directions. Just eliminating a word or two might help her understand. For example, say "Eat your toast" instead of "Aren't you hungry? Why don't you eat your toast?" It's possible that too many words are overwhelming her and the basic message is getting lost. Try to use positive instructions ("Eat your toast") instead of negative instructions ("Don't throw your toast on the floor"). Remember that listening is an essential part of language acquisition. (A hearing problem can cause language delays. Talk to your pediatrician if you suspect a problem.)
Other developments: Playing to learn, fascination with textures
For you, play is a way of relaxing — whether that means playing tennis or playing chess. But for children, play is learning. Through play children learn about their senses, and they fine-tune a variety of gross- and fine-motor skills. Whether she's stacking blocks and banging on pots, or digging in sand and throwing balls, a toddler is learning what her body can do, what various objects feel like, and how they smell and taste.
Creating art is one of a toddler's favorite pastimes. Remember when you first showed your child how to use a crayon, and she colored back and forth, making wavy lines willy-nilly all over the page? Now she is capable of controlling the pencil or crayon a little bit, and may start to draw in circles. A few months ago she covered a piece of paper with scribbles; now she will draw more deliberately, decorating different parts of a page with separate blocks of artwork. Your job is to give her plenty of opportunities to do it.
Set your child up with big sheets of thick paper; tape it to the table so it stays put. Offer her a few thick crayons (she'll likely snap the little ones in half) or washable markers. If she's not interested in drawing on paper, see if she'd like to draw outside with sidewalk chalk. Finger painting, or making handprints and footprints with paint, is usually a popular activity with toddlers (who doesn't like having permission to make a huge mess?). Or, next time you go for a walk, encourage her to collect some leaves, pebbles, acorns, and the like. When you get home, make a collage that commemorates your outing, gluing the items to a piece of cardboard that she can then decorate with paint or markers.
Now that your toddler can chew and eat a wide variety of foods — from meat to pasta to spinach — expect her to express strong opinions about her likes and dislikes. Experts say that at this age texture, rather than smell or taste, is the key factor in food preferences. Strawberries, pudding, Jell-O, a banana that is just past its prime — these are all foods that a toddler may turn away from, even if she ate them willingly a few months ago.
Toddlers are becoming aware of other sensations as well. Some balk at walking barefoot on sand, cement, or grass for the same reason they refuse some foods: They don't like the texture. Others don't want to have their hair combed or brushed.
If your child balks at having her teeth brushed, try buying her a special toothbrush with a favorite character on it (i.e., Barney or a Teletubby). If your toddler battles over hair brushing, resist the urge to restrain her, which will just frighten her more. You might try to comb or brush her hair while she's distracted, even offering a snack. A commercial de-tangler may help, even with straight hair. Or take turns with her: Let her comb or brush your hair, and then you comb hers.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Saturday, 12/06/08...Niece C1 & daughter L
crappy pic b/c no tripod or long exposure but it captures the great view and sunset from my dad's house
cousins hugging (before grabbing, scratching, & tackling)
attempt #1 at cousins pic
attempt #2 at cousins pic
one of the many expressions of L
attempt #?? at cousins pic
attempt #?? at cousins pic
"CHEESE!!!"
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